1986 BMW M5 vs. 1951 Buick 40
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1951 Buick 40. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1951 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Buick 40 weights approximately 116 kg more than 1986 BMW M5.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Buick 40. (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1951 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M5 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 4066 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 104.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3090 mm |
